After not being able to reach Stoddard, 64, over the weekend, the Grovetown Department of Public Safety received several calls from concerned friends and family. Officers went to his Williams Street home early Monday and had to break in, according to Chief Gary Owens. They found Stoddard dead.

“He’ll be missed on the council, no doubt,” Mayor George James said.

Columbia County Deputy Coroner Harriett Garrison said Stoddard had some medical issues and that his death was caused by hypertensive cardiovascular disease complicated by his Type 2 diabetes. No foul play is suspected.

Stoddard retired from the Clearwater Police Department in Clearwater, Fla., and was elected to the City Council in 2011.

He served two years on the council alongside his brother, Bruce.

“Dale, he did some research, checked on some things,” James said. “He brought a different outlook to the table. That’s what you want.”

Stoddard’s term ends in December 2015. Because more than a year remains of his term, a special election must be held to fill the vacancy, City Manager Shirley Beasley said.

The election to fill the remainder of Stoddard’s term hasn’t yet been scheduled, but will likely be on the Nov. 4 ballot.